Rosamund Ekputri Gozali Go
Petra Christian University, Indonesia
2024 Fall Semester

Participating in a study exchange program in Taiwan has been a transformative experience that has broadened my horizons academically, culturally, and personally. I still remember my first day in Taiwan—feeling both excited and nervous as I struggled to order a simple meal in Mandarin at a local restaurant. That small yet significant challenge marked the beginning of my journey toward growth, pushing me to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a new culture and language.

Before embarking on this journey, I had little knowledge of Mandarin, but I aspired to learn the language to enhance my communication skills and deepen my understanding of Chinese culture. During my time in Taiwan, I enrolled in an intensive Mandarin course, which significantly improved my language proficiency. Initially, I struggled with pronunciation and sentence structure, but through daily practice and immersive learning, I can now hold basic conversations in Mandarin. This newfound ability has given me confidence in navigating various social and academic settings, making my experience even more enriching.

Beyond academics, this exchange program opened the door to countless friendships and cultural exchanges. Before this experience, my social circle primarily consisted of fellow Indonesians. However, through the program, I had the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds, including students from Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, Italy, the United States, and many other countries. These friendships allowed me to immerse myself in different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Sharing my own Indonesian culture while simultaneously learning about others’ traditions was a truly eye-opening experience. Whether it was celebrating local festivals, trying new cuisines, or engaging in deep conversations about our home countries, these interactions broadened my worldview and fostered a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.

I would not have been able to embark on this incredible journey without the support of several key individuals and organizations. First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to ACUCA and my home university for introducing me to this exchange program and granting me a scholarship. Their generosity and belief in my potential enabled me to pursue my dream of studying abroad in Taiwan. I am also immensely thankful to my head program coordinator, Ms. Yenni Magonting, for her unwavering support and encouragement, which motivated me to embrace this opportunity for personal and academic growth. Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to Ms. Alanda Chang, who played a pivotal role in ensuring that all exchange students had a seamless and fulfilling experience. Her efforts in organizing cultural programs provided us with firsthand knowledge of Taiwanese traditions and heritage, and she offered essential support that helped me navigate life in Taiwan.

This exchange program has been more than just an academic endeavor—it has been a journey of self-discovery, cultural enlightenment, and lifelong friendships. I am incredibly grateful for every lesson learned, every person met, and every challenge overcome. The memories and skills I have gained will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on my future, and I look forward to applying these experiences in both my personal and professional life.